KUWAIT CITY, May 16: Assistant Undersecretary for Mosques Affairs at Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Dr Walid Al-Shuaib disclosed that Zain Telecommunications Company has developed the infrastructure and extended cables to install 3,000 cameras to secure mosques, with the cooperation of the ministry, reports Al-Anba daily.

Al-Shuaib affirmed that security of mosques is a top priority for the ministry, indicating that a meeting will be held in the coming days with officials from Ministry of Interior to coordinate efforts in preparation for the month of Ramadan. He said the experience of the Ramadan program centers has been a great success over the past years. Al-Shuaib explained that it started with Jaber Al Ali Mosque only, and increased to 26 Ramadan centers in the six governorates this year, which is an increase of ten centers from last year.

He revealed about full coordination with Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor for collecting donations during the month of Ramadan, affirming that no cash donations will be collected in mosques, but donations will be collected only through K-Net and authorized monthly deductions by the licensed associations.

Meanwhile, as Ramadan is fast approaching, a total of 1,553 mosques are preparing to receive a large number of worshippers by ensuring availability of necessary materials to guarantee their comfort throughout the holy month, reports Al-Qabas daily. According to Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Undersecretary Fared Amadi, the ministry will allocate 24 Ramadan centers instead of 12 to reduce pressure on the Grand Mosque.

The ministry will also organize cultural and religious activities and programs with moderation ideologies to imbibe the spirit of patriotism, while wiping out extremism and intolerance. Amadi revealed several issues affecting the society will be highlighted, so the rostrums will be dedicated for orientation of worshippers during the holy month.

He affirmed the ministry will instruct Imams and Muezzins to monitor collection of donations in a bid to prevent violations inside the mosques, urging them to report immediately if they discover violations. He added the concerned officials will approve activities in the mosques.